IGNPS2's 2000 Holiday Buying Guide: Strategy and RPG

Share.

The system has more RPGs than most do in its first few months, but your best bet might not be them.

By IGN Staff

Strategy and RPG

You can't really expect a new system like the PlayStation 2 to be really strong in this category because RPGs, more than any other genre, really takes the most planning and development time. Nevertheless, the system also has quite few games in this genre, and probably more than any other system in the U.S. at the same point in its life cycle. There are only two that we'd really recommend and they're both very specific types of games that have a very limited appeal. If you must have an RPG for the PS2, we really suggest that you get one of the many great ones on the original PlayStation.

A huge, epic story of battling clans in feudal Japan, Kessen is a game that requires lots of time and reveals a massive, intriguing novel of an adventure. With great next-generation graphics and a kind of click-and-play narrative, players get to battle with hundreds of warriors and cavalry on virgin fields for power, territory and the rule of the land. Truly a one-of-a-kind game in this launch lineup. The only thing going against this title is that it's in a genre that has a very small following and its appeal is quite limited. Still, for people that like strategy games, they'll love this one.

The first American RPG created for the PS2, Volition and THQ have teamed up to bring you a lengthy, next-generation epic that tells the story of a young man banned from his home town and who must wield his summoning power to restore order in his land. Superb graphics and amazingly large 3D environments put this in the high tier of next-generation games. It has its share of problems, but the raw truth is that it is the best RPG currently available for PS2. However, it's only recommended for people that are into very deep and complex PC-style RPGs, as it won't likely appeal to those looking for a typical console-RPG like Final Fantasy VII.